Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! 2012 is here and that means more opportunities for GOTO to give back to our community. Check out how we've been helping underprivileged youths for the last decade and how you can help too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V72gwMzLgvQ

GOTO Volunteer Profile: Jennifer Montalvo

1) How did you first hear about GOTO?

I first heard about GOTO from my friend, Christine Pecorella a few years back and got involved this year after seeing a volunteer posting via Zogsports.

2) What are your roles as a GOTO volunteer?

I work on the development committee assisting with some new and exciting initiatives including grant proposals and donor outreach.

3) What is your favorite GOTO moment so far?

A true highlight, was the moment GOTO's first grant proposal was sent out. It felt like that start of the next phase for our development committee and I was so happy to be part of the team when it was sent. Now time for many more!

BONUS: If GOTO sent you to Arts & Music Summer Camp, what would be your major?

I would LOVE to major in Rockestra, but I'd likely major in Wind & Woodwind Ensemble; I play the alto sax.

GOTO Volunteer Profile: Hailey Weniger

1) How did you first hear about GOTO?

I first heard about it through Nisha Phatak, who is currently volunteering as well. I was trying to find something that I could give back to the community and feel as though I was a bigger part than just signing up for random volunteer opportunities and Nisha told me about GOTO. I figured it would be awesome to get involved!

2) What are your roles as a GOTO volunteer?

I’m helping out the marketing committee, mainly updating the blog posts and such.

3) How would you describe GOTO to a friend?

I would describe it as a group of young professionals that really want to help the youth explore opportunities they may never have had. GOTO does this by organizing events and giving tribute to the Appel Farm and the many talented kids that deserve a chance to be creative! It’s exciting to see the kids really develop their talents knowing you are behind the scenes!

4) What is your favorite GOTO moment so far?

Seeing as how I have only been a part of GOTO for about a month, it would have to be the Halloween Party as a whole. It was great to see so many people brave the horrible weather to celebrate the night and give back to an awesome cause. Everyone had great costumes on- but I think Beeker takes the cake! Best costume ever!

5) Where do you see GOTO 20 years from now?

I see it expanding to other cities, I mean, it was relatively easy to convince me to get involved and it’s for an amazing cause.

BONUS: If GOTO sent you to Arts & Music Summer Camp, what would be your major?

I have always had a passion for photography, I love being behind the camera and capturing moments before they pass by. It’s awesome when you can take a picture and have a moment forever!

11th Annual Halloween party: Hell Raised for Heavenly Cause!

The weather outside was frightful, but Giving Opportunities To Others' 11th Annual Halloween Ball was as delightful as ever! Angry Birds, Mavericks and Gooses, the Baywatch Crew, the Mario Kart gang and even a Mr. Softee braved the freak October snow storm that left many in the dark to pack the Broad Street Ballroom to Raise Some Hell for a Heavenly Cause!

The October 29th event SOLD OUT with nearly 600 tickets purchased. Party-groovers monster mashed from 10pm until the wee hours of the morning, all while enjoying a five hour open bar filled with spooky top shelf spirits!

A spook-tacular thanks goes out to the event's generous corporate sponsors-- Laguintas Brewing Company and Palm Bay International Fine Wine and Spirits, which donated IPAs and specialty Aperol and Prosecco cocktails for the event-- and with half of every ticket sold going to GOTO's mission of enriching the lives of underpriveleged NYC-area students through the arts, over $20,000 was raised!

We even had a write up in the Lifestyle and Charity Magazine!

http://www.lifestyleandcharity.com/2011/11/the-11th-annual-goto-halloween-ball/

Who Wants to Raise Some Hell for a Heavenly Cause?

The Halloween Party is right around the corner and the GOTO volunteers are in full swing getting everything ready for a spook-tacular night!

The haunting will take place at the Broad Street Ballroom, 41 Broad Street. To lure you all there, the night will include delicious Halloween treats, a DJ, a 5 hour open bar with some specialty drinks, and a crazed dance floor of over 400 zombies, vampires, and monsters among many many other costumes.

Get your costume ready and get your tickets here: http://gotohalloween2011.charityhappenings.org

There are special group discounts and EXCLUSIVE access for VIP ticket holders. BEWARE! We have sold out every year, so get yours now or you might get left in the dark!

There's no trick! The treat is all ticket proceeds will help send deserving middle school students to arts camp! Who would have thought having so much fun could do so much good!

Hope to see you all there dressed to scare!

Appel Farm Camp Visit 2011

Saturday, August 13th, was an incredibly fun day at Appel Farm Arts & Music camp! Ten GOTO volunteers attended the annual trip to camp to visit scholars enrolled in the second session. The scholars ranged from first timers to those attending their third and last Summer session. Once the volunteers settled in at camp, we were joined by the camp directors, camp founder Albert Appel and scholars in Appel Farm's art gallery. We went around the room to introduce ourselves and allowed the scholars to share with us their experience at camp so far. We learned about the classes they were taking, performances thus far and what they were planning for the upcoming performance week which happens during the last week at camp. There was a lot of excitement in the room as the students described what they have been able to create and learn over the Summer.

The volunteers were fortunate enough to see firsthand what our scholars are studying at Appel Farm. We were divided up among the students and able to attend their minor 1 and minor 2 classes. Some of the classes included street dance, sculpture (which included glass and welding), beginning guitar, costume and set design, vocal performance, super heros (students create and act out the super hero character they developed), theater, fashion accessories design and rock band.

It's always a joy to be in that creative and supportive environment with our scholars. Though GOTO volunteers only spend a couple of hours there, the annual trip always leaves an impact of purpose. What an amazing opportunity we as a group are able to provide. Now the school year begins with the chance for teachers to nominate 6th graders - some of whom will become the next class of GOTO scholars. Volunteers are already looking forward to next year's trip!

GOTO Alumni Volunteer Profile: Malinda Logan

5 QUESTIONS FOR GOTO VOLUNTEER ALUM, MALINDA LOGAN

1) How did you first hear about GOTO?

I heard about GOTO from a fantastic ray of sunshine! Christine Pecorella and I were at a party one day where I was discussing how I had a passion for fundraising and wanted to volunteer my time. She mentioned GOTO and invited me to a bi-annual meeting. What intrigued me was the concept of having a young professionals volunteer organization. I had never known of that style non-profit. After attending the meeting, I was hooked. The presentations, ideas, discussions were so organized, exciting, and lively! The experience was gratifying and I knew this was a solid organization I wanted to be associated with.

2) What were your roles while you were a GOTO volunteer?

I served on the Development Committee. I wrote thank you letters, brainstormed ideas about recognition events, and other related duties. And, when there was a call to action, I was there volunteering my time. Whether it be stamping envelopes or attending meetings on how to make GOTO more visible, I helped in any way that I could. I'd recruit people to join, invite people to the mixers, galas, and parties. Having these duties gave me a sense of pride in the organization. I felt like I was helping build GOTO to a visible, stronger, more successful organization.

3) What have you been up to since joining GOTO's alumni?

Well, a lot I must say. It's been about 2 years or so. I went to school to get my masters in Fundraising Management from Columbia University. GOTO was instrumental in my academic projects. Thank you GOTO!!! After graduation, I decided to make a career change to a position in Development/Fundraising. So now, while making the switch I have joined another grassroots team, as the co-chair of the Events and PR committee for Stop Child Trafficking NOW (http://www.sctnow.org/). GOTO sparked a passion in me that I've been able to transfer to other grassroots charities. The mission, the volunteers, and the dedication were all factors that encouraged me to keep up my volunteer efforts and help recreate them in other causes. Thank you GOTO!!!

4) What was your favorite GOTO moment?

Well, it may be a little sappy. But, oh well! I was with my friend at the annual gala. I believe it was Casino Night. There was good music, good fun, good people all around. The band stopped playing and a young girl got on stage. She started speaking about GOTO and what it meant for her. Right then, I knew that it was all worth it. The proof was in the pudding, so to speak. She spoke so eloquently and passionately about her experience. I teared up because she touched my heart. She allowed me to realize that GOTO's mission isn't touch and go. It isn't a onetime offer. GOTO provides an experience that will last a lifetime. And all the while, I thought what we were doing was changing their lives for the better. When, in fact, they were changing mine.

5) Where do you see GOTO twenty years from now?

I see GOTO as a model organization for young philanthropists. GOTO will be used as a non-profit that other grassroots, volunteer run charities model themselves after. Others will want their organizations to have the same tight-knit networking groups, dedicated board, successful programs, and committed volunteers as GOTO. They will emulate GOTO's start up efforts because GOTO has proven success! GOTO will have expanded to several more cities, received numerous grants and awards, and have a waiting list of volunteers!

BONUS QUESTION: If GOTO sent you to Arts & Music Summer Camp, what would be your major?

That's pretty easy for me. Acting/Drama. I studied that in undergrad, so I'd say I still have a passion for the craft! :-)